The New Jersey Nets, who will become the Brooklyn Nets in at the start of the 2012 season in a new home in Downtown Brooklyn, made several roster moves last week.

Unfortunately for Nets fans, it wasn't getting superstar big man Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, as had been rumored. Instead, the Nets signed free agent forwards Shawne Williams and Ime Udoka.

"Shawne is a versatile player who will add a needed dimension to our front court," said Nets general manager Billy King. "He can play inside as well as shoot the three, and is a welcome addition to our roster."

Williams, a 6-9 forward, comes to the Nets following a one-year stint with the New York Knicks where he played in 64 games and posted career-best averages of 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game, while shooting .401 from three point range. The University of Memphis product was chosen by Indiana in the first round (17th overall) in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Over his four-year NBA career, Williams holds career averages of 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds over 190 games. He appeared in four postseason games with New York last season, averaging 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting .429 from three point range.

Udoka, a 6’6” seven-year veteran who has played for five teams, holds career averages of 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 316 games. The undrafted Portland State product began his career with the Lakers in 2003-04, appearing in four contests.

Last season, Udoka played in 20 games with the San Antonio Spurs, totaling 14 points and 19 rebounds in 130 minutes.

The New Jersey Nets also waived forward Travis Outlaw and designated him as the team’s amnesty player.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams are allowed to shed one contract from their roster. Teams will still have to pay the player, but the money won't count toward the salary cap.

Outlaw played in all 82 games, 55 starts, with the Nets last season, averaging 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 29 minutes per game. The eight-year veteran was acquired by New Jersey as a free agent on July 14, 2010, and signed a $35 million, five-year contract.

Shortly after Outlaw was released by New Jersey, he was claimed off waivers by the Sacramento Kings.